Paper Entertainment CEO andTehranexecutive producerJulien Lerouxwill serve as program consultant.
The two-day schedule features a range of masterclass sessions from local and international series professionals.
Each year, the strand will platform a guest country from the Baltic and Scandinavian regions.
Thessaloniki Film Festival.SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP via Getty Images.
This year, the guest country is Lithuania.
DEADLINE:How are you feeling about this years AGORA series?
ANGELIKI VERGOU:Im feeling good about it.
This year, we have expanded to two days.
We also have our Meet The Future segment of AGORA, which highlights emerging talent from Greece.
The section previously highlighted editors and cinematographers.
DEADLINE:What was the response to the inaugural AGORA series last year?
I know some people still believe highlighting series at film festivals is provocative.
VERGOU:It was positive.
Of course, there are still voices who say: what are series doing at film festivals?
But thats all over the world.
Its not only in Greece.
However, it is important to understand that series have become a part of our audiovisual sector.
We arent watching soap operas.
We are watching series that hold very high aesthetic and cinematic qualities.
People understand that we need to support our audiovisual sectors.
That is why the reaction was positive.
Thats why we decided to continue this year, and there is much interest.
People are now coming to Thessaloniki specifically for AGORA series, especially screenwriters.
DEADLINE:Who are you usually welcoming at AGORA?
VERGOU:We have a focus on southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
We also have the Mediterranean side, which includes Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
So we are gathering professionals from all these countries.
We decided to create this to open a window for young professionals who are still navigating how markets work.
We offer them the possibility to attend either online or physically.
They have free accreditation and a custom-made program.
How do you feel about the festivals growing profile?
VERGOU:We have always had our faithful groupies in Thessaloniki coming every year.
Bigger festivals and markets are very important.
Dont get me wrong, we go there to make new connections and understand new trends.
DEADLINE:Thessaloniki has been a real leader when it comes to sustainability.
This year you even have a green tax for visitors.
What has the response been to your efforts from the industry?
VERGOU:Industry people are more cautious about the environment than you might think.
So, we offer the opportunity to participate online.
But in Greece, with recent fires and floods, the environment is very much on our minds.
DEADLINE:Do you have a set tenure as Head of AGORA?
I started as an intern and have worked in all areas of the festival.
We have spoken with the local industry and asked whats working and what needs to change.
So, were taking them by the hand and telling them to come and check it out.
This year is in collaboration with the Lithuanian Film Centre.
A delegation of Lithuanian producers, distributors, and film critics will be joining us.
They also have the opportunity to participate in our events.
DEADLINE:In five years, what would be your perfect version of AGORA?
VERGOU:One thing I really want to stay the same is our size.
We are also always working on becoming more inclusive.
We believe our location provides a unique opportunity for professionals from diverse regions to be heard.
